Philippines to Receive Modern Military Aid from Japan

The Philippines, one of Japan's closest ally in the Asian region is poised to become the biggest recipient of Japan's capacity building assistance particularly the transfer of military technology and equipment. The Japanese government will provide modern military aid to the Philippines.

Based upon the wish list submitted by the Philippines during the administration of Pres. Aquino, the Philippines wanted to have modern equipment such as the P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft, Shirane class destroyers, Hayabusa class missile patrol boats, and Oyashio-class submarines.

The transfer of military technology and equipment by Japan to the Philippines is one way of beefing up the capabilities of the two countries in safeguarding its territorial waters in the South China Sea.

According to Dr. Ken Kimbo, assistant professor at Keio University's Faculty of Policy Management, "there is a high possibility that we will make such a decision," he told Manila Bulletin in an interview. Dr. Kimbo added further that "We are very sympathetic that we should transfer those technology to the Philippines."

Last April 2015 the Japanese government established three principles that if satisfied would allow for the transfer of defense equipment and technology, marking a shift from what was in effect a prohibition on military sales.

In late February 2016, Tokyo and Manila signed a defense equipment transfer agreement, the agreement made the Philippines as the first Southeast Asian coutnry to have such an agreement with Japan. The agreement promotes the joint production and development of defens equipment and technology, and establishes a legal framework providing for this.

Under the administration of Pres. Rody Duterte, the national government keeps on making follow up with the possibilities that the Philippines could be the biggest recipient of Japan's transfer of military equipment.

Philippines to Receive Modern Military Aid from Japan
Reviewed by Phil Newsome
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9/20/2016
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